Motorists and businesses in Abuja and other parts of northern Nigeria are facing fresh economic pressure as rising petrol costs threaten to push transportation and the prices of essential goods higher.
The development followed the latest increase in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which moved from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre on September 12, 2026.
The N85 increase has already prompted filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory to review their pump prices, with some outlets selling petrol above N1,400 per litre.
MRS stations reportedly increased their price to N1,395 per litre, while Mobil and NIPCO outlets raised theirs to N1,400 and N1,430 respectively.
Industry projections suggest that petrol prices could approach N1,500 per litre in Abuja, while consumers in cities such as Kano, Kaduna and Jos could face even higher prices due to the additional cost of transporting products from coastal supply centres.
Unlike coastal cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri, inland markets depend heavily on trucks to move petroleum products over long distances. Higher freight, handling and distribution costs therefore add significantly to the final price paid by consumers.
The situation has raised concerns among economists and industry operators that another increase in petrol prices could quickly filter into transportation fares, food prices and the cost of doing business.
An economist and development expert, Aliyu Ilias, warned that rising fuel costs could worsen inflation as businesses pass increased transportation and production expenses on to consumers.
The latest development is also being linked to rising international crude oil prices, with Brent crude trading above $100 per barrel amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Industry expert Olatide Jeremiah, Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, said petrol prices could climb further if the international oil market remains under pressure.
The latest adjustment is the fourth increase in Dangote Refinery’s petrol gantry price since August 21. During the period, the price has risen from N1,165 to N1,350 per litre, representing an increase of N185 in just 22 days.
For motorists, the immediate concern is the possibility of another price adjustment when filling stations begin receiving the newly priced stock.
A petrol attendant at an MRS station in Abuja said the current price could change again once fresh supplies arrive, suggesting that consumers may face further increases in the coming days.
With crude oil prices remaining elevated and inland distribution costs continuing to rise, Nigerians may have to brace for higher transportation expenses and renewed pressure on household budgets if the trend persists.
